Human Trafficking:
Know the Signs, Take Action
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people are forced or tricked into labor or sexual exploitation. Traffickers use violence, threats, lies and manipulation to control their victims.
Types of Human Trafficking:
- Sex Trafficking: Victims are forced or coerced into sexual acts for money, often through prostitution or pornography.
- Labor Trafficking: Victims are forced to work in harsh conditions without pay, often in agriculture, construction or domestic work.
- Child Trafficking: Children are exploited for sex, labor or even illegal adoption.
- Organ Trafficking: People are trafficked for the illegal sale of their organs.
Human trafficking can happen anywhere, to anyone. Be aware of high-risk locations like hotels, truck stops, bus stations, illicit massage parlors and adult entertainment establishments.
How to Recognize the Signs:
- Physical Indicators: Unexplained injuries, malnutrition, exhaustion, signs of sexual abuse.
- Behavioral Indicators: Fearful, withdrawn, avoids eye contact, seems controlled.
- Social Indicators: Isolated from friends and family, unable to speak freely, lacks ID documents.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Someone Is a Victim:
- Gather Details: Location, description of victim and trafficker, suspicious behavior.
- Report: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (or text HELP or INFO at 233733).
- Provide Resources: Let the victim know help is available (see Resources below).
Resources:
Nancy J Cotterman Center (NJCC) Human Trafficking Unit – Offers services and advocates for survivors of human trafficking.
https://www.broward.org/NancyJCottermanCenter/Pages/HumanTrafficking.aspx
Polaris – A nonprofit organization focused on survivor-centered justice- and equality-driven movement to end human trafficking.
https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/
No More Tears - No More Tears' mission is to assist and empower victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.
https://www.nomoretearsusa.org/
FLITE Center – Assists law enforcement in housing survivors of human trafficking
https://flitecenter.org/
Women in Distress – Works with survivors in need of support and transformation for a better tomorrow.
https://widbroward.org/
211 Broward - 24-hour comprehensive helpline, providing all people with crisis, health and human services support, and connecting them to resources in our community.
Call or Text: 2-1-1
Additional Resource:
Shop Talk with the Sheriff Human Trafficking Podcast
Let's work together to end human trafficking. If you see something, say something!
